Process analysis and economic evaluation of acetaldehyde production from ethanol via non-oxidative dehydrogenation

Abstract

At present, there is an awareness of global warming. The use of combustion fuel in cars is another cause of carbon dioxide emission which can caused global warming. As a result, electric vehicles (EV) have a greater role in the world Including Thailand, resulting in lower fuel consumption. For this reason, the demand for ethanol may decreased. Due to the higher price and wide range of applications, it is interesting to find alternatives to convert ethanol into acetaldehyde in this work.

In this research, Aspen plus will be utilized for the process simulation and economic evaluation of two processes by comparing the process with low conversion of ethanol but high selectivity of acetaldehyde to the process with high conversion of ethanol but low selectivity of acetaldehyde. Economic analysis of acetaldehyde production start with 120,000 tons per year of production capacity; the highest capacity of the two processes. As an analysis results, it was found that the acetaldehyde production process at the highest production capacity is given the highest internal rate of return (IRR) and the lowest payback period (POP). The process with the lower conversion of ethanol is given the best result and suitable for use in designing process of acetaldehyde. Due to there is no compressor in the process, lower energy consumption and lower equipment cost.